Panellists on stage at Liverpool City Region for All Forum 2025
The event took place on 31st January at ACC Liverpool
The Liverpool City Region For All Forum, held on January 31st at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, was hosted by Legendary Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL and welcomed over 250 attendees.
Host and Keynote speaker, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL said:
“This event is really exciting and it fills me with a lot of confidence that Liverpool’s looking to the future to what it can really do to help disabled people.”
Delegates enjoyed an opening address from Donna Howitt, Accessibility lead for the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership Board, Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and a keynote speech from Baroness Grey-Thompson.
Main discussion orientated around two panels on the day, focusing on ‘The Strategic Power of Accessible Tourism’ and ‘Accessibility in action’, containing expert insight from local and national disability advocates, including:
- Lucy Edwards: Broadcaster, Disability Activist, Author and Content Creator
- Ross Calladine: Accessibility and Inclusion Lead, VisitEngland
- Dr Marcus Hansen: Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Events Management, LJMU
- Tony Killen: Project Lead for Rail Developments, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Ollie Thorn: Endurance Athlete, Keynote Speaker, Disability Inclusion Specialist and Advisor
- Paul Evens: CEO, Carlilse Support Services
- Matt Pierri: CEO Sociability
- Donna Howitt: Accessibility Lead for Liverpool City Region LVEP
Panellist and Disability Inclusion Specialist Ollie Thorn said:
“What a brilliant event and it seemed to generate real energy in the room with a lot of conversation and people reaching out to me post event to share how excited they are for future progress!”
19 Organisations exhibited as part of the ‘Accessibility Marketplace’, allowing attendees to connect directly with disability experts and best practice suppliers. Details on specific exhibitors can be found on the ‘LCR Accessibility Network’ on the accessibility support toolkit.
Panellist and VisitEngland Accessibility and Inclusion Lead Ross Calladine said:
“Its been a really fantastic event here in Liverpool today and I’m sure that this will be a big defining moment for the region on its journey to be more accessible and inclusive.”